We've moved! As of January 2015, our blog posts are now located here on our new Family Home blog. We hope you'll continue to visit it for the latest posts from our bloggers.

Save money, spend time

Let's face it: Times are tight and budgets are shrinking. But there are ways to stretch, and even (gasp!) have fun doing it! This blog is about finding ways to get more from every household dollar, and enjoy every precious minute.

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just want to make something
fun with the kids, these Halloween pizza bagels are a quick and easy
holiday snack. Use the mini bagels as a base and make spiders using thin
strips of bell peppers for the legs and olives for the eyes...

I’m a huge fan of eating salads for lunch and dinner, especially around
this time of year when most vegetables are in season. This recipe for
Arugula and Black-eyed Pea Salad starts with a simple lime and chipotle
vinaigrette, combined with a black-eyed pea and black bean mixture...

The aroma of these honey-pumpkin baked apples is reason enough to give
your baking skills a try! This delicious fall recipe will fill your home
with the cozy smell of the fall season. Growing up I had baked apple
treats for dessert a few times a week and now I love serving them to my
kids as an afternoon snack...

It’s back to school season, which means it’s the perfect time to make
your children something healthy and filling for breakfast. This recipe
for Mini Vegetable Omelets is not only easy-to-make, but also super
nutritious, as it contains fresh vegetables and eggs...

Tailgating is one of the best parts of football season, especially in
the south. Whether you are starting early for breakfast or holding off
till mid-day, score big with crowd-pleasing foods like dips, sandwiches
and more...

With the new school year in full swing, it’s the perfect time to refresh
your routine and get your children on track to a healthier lifestyle.
If you start educating your children on good eating habits while they
are young, there is a greater chance of it sticking with them throughout
their life...

Chicken wings have become a staple game day appetizer for adults and
children alike. Although there are many variations of sauces that wings
are made in, this recipe for Honey Glazed Chicken Wings is one of my
favorites...

Next time you’re at the grocery store scouring the chip and dip aisle,
forget the dip and just grab the chips. Instead of buying canned salsa,
try making your own! Follow this salsa recipe and you’ll have a tasty,
fresh salsa dip ready in just 20 minutes...

When my son left for him first semester of college last year his absence
was so noticeable, the days couldn’t pass fast enough. Now, looking
back, the past ten months passed in what can only be described as a
blur. During the time that led up to his departure one of our family
rituals – eating dinner together – came to a halt...

Entertaining during the summertime can be a lot of fun. I personally use
summer as an excuse to play with bright colors and add a little touch
of whimsy to my dinner table or party space. I was dreaming up some
playful centerpiece ideas recently and decided that a pineapple would
make a great flower vase!...

Outdoor events are often a beautiful way to host a party or celebration.
From natural light to a night time glow, to the fresh air and gorgeous
scenery, outdoor entertaining can have many perks. Although there are
many benefits to hosting events outdoors, there are also many details
that need to be taken under consideration when planning an event...

I have more fun playing with shrink plastic as an adult than I ever did
as a kid. There are several types now available on the market that can
be found in craft stores and online, including inkjet printable shrink
plastic sheets to simple shrink plastic sheets that are transparent with
a frosted side for tracing images, letters, and other designs...

When the term “milkshake” was first used in 1885, it was actually
referring to an alcoholic whiskey drink described as a healthy eggnog
made of eggs and whiskey. Since then, the term has been updated and is
used to define any drinks made with chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla
syrups and of course, ice cream!...

As some of you may know, I have an obsession with all things Ziploc®. I
think I got into this habit from my mom, as she swore by Ziploc® Brand
items. She used baggies and containers for just about everything and
anything you could ever think of...

With most schools out for the summer, many of us are already getting
into vacation mode and planning the next family getaway. Whether you’re
planning to arrive at your destination by plane or car, you're sure to
have a wonderful time with your family – that is, so long as you can
keep your children entertained long enough to get there!...

During the summertime, I like to incorporate as many fresh and bold
flavors into my baked goods as possible. One of my favorites is this
refreshing Lemonade and Lime Cake recipe. This tasty treat is simple
enough for even the most novice baker to make...